I guess I'm just not sold on Hudlers potential. He's so weak out there I dont see him ever being able to put up huge numbers because of it, he cant win puck battles and is ineffective anywhere near the net.

I'm also not sold on having a skilled third line that can't produce, something has to change eventually or we're gonna have a season where our third line is our weak link. All the other lines have great chemistry and are producing so it seems dumb to shake that up from within the organization because it could mess with the other lines clicking.

The question is I guess... Does anyone see this line contributing in the playoffs at all?

Well Cleary is the only one that looks to provide anything useful for playoffs. Even after 50 point seasons he ends up on the 4th line during playoffs. Modano is showing hes scared of physical play. This line will be the death of us come playoff time unless something changes

Well Cleary is the only one that looks to provide anything useful for playoffs. Even after 50 point seasons he ends up on the 4th line during playoffs.

He was on the 4th line last playoff season because he was injured, and he was on the 4th line in '06 because he hadn't really come into his own offensively yet. He was most certainly not on the 4th line in his other three playoff years here, and he was one of our most prolific goal-scorers in '09.

Modano is showing hes scared of physical play. This line will be the death of us come playoff time unless something changes

Pro-Fighters = "Yes yes yes, do it ZOMG spunk-spew, so much toughness is teh sex!!!!"

Pro-Skill = "Hudlers potential is a better option, plus he will put up more points"

Everyone else = "Meh, we're winning and Hudler has better potential"

I'm pro skill, but am all for trading Hudler for a gritty player that can score dirty nasty goals that can help toughen up the 3rd line. But it really doesn't make sense unless we can package Modano up to sweeten the deal...., for us.

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through 8 games played, he has 3 points and is a -6..i realize its early..not on pace for the 50/60 points everyone was guaranteeing around here not too long ago..Clarkson is exactly what we need. Hard hitter, not afraid of anyone, and he brings a bit of an offensive presence. Ive been hoping kenny would ****** this guy ever since his rookie season.

through 8 games played, he has 3 points and is a -6..i realize its early..not on pace for the 50/60 points everyone was guaranteeing around here not too long ago..Clarkson is exactly what we need. Hard hitter, not afraid of anyone, and he brings a bit of an offensive presence. Ive been hoping kenny would ****** this guy ever since his rookie season.

If you're going to complain about Hudler's 8 games, 0-3-3 and -6 then you have to look at the fact that:

Clarkson: 14 GP, 1-1-2, -8

Since we're going nuts over these numbers, let's put them in the context of a full season:

Hudler: 0-31-31, -61Clarkson: 6-6-12, -47

Based on the small sample we have, I don't think you can really call Clarkson's output "offensive presence" so far this season. Now can we get back to reality and not make ridiculous trade proposals to trade players just because we don't like them?

folks get the facts straight... Happy chased the tax-free cash to the KHL. that well has dried, which brought him back scampering here. the only feasible way for him to be moved is either A. some other team trying to dump their similarly cap-hit underachiever or B. a bottom-feeder team with gobs of capspace looking for some offence.

If you're going to complain about Hudler's 8 games, 0-3-3 and -6 then you have to look at the fact that:

Clarkson: 14 GP, 1-1-2, -8

Since we're going nuts over these numbers, let's put them in the context of a full season:

Hudler: 0-31-31, -61Clarkson: 6-6-12, -47

Based on the small sample we have, I don't think you can really call Clarkson's output "offensive presence" so far this season. Now can we get back to reality and not make ridiculous trade proposals to trade players just because we don't like them?

And to put things into context: Clarkson is playing on a team where Ilya Kovalchuk, one of the most elite scorers in the league has been a healthy scratch this season because their team in general is playing horrible. Hudler is playing on a team that has won 5 of its last 6 games, every line except his looks terrific and as soon as he was taken off his line it played great.

On top of that, Clarkson or a player like him provides more then just powerplay offense, which is what Hudler seems only good for after fleeing to rush and leaving his team.

Oh and to top it all off, Clarkson is a Babcock kind of player and wouldn't be stuck in the doghouse all the time.